WhiteStar's Transition to a Testing Environment

Since early 2023, InnoTech has partnered with WhiteStar, initially focusing on data-related projects. As the collaboration evolved, WhiteStar recognized the potential for InnoTech to expand its capabilities into testing, leading to the formation of a specialized testing team.

Key Challenges and Objectives

InnoTech, operating within an Agile framework, aimed to create a structured testing environment for both external and internal platforms at WhiteStar. This involved developing a testing framework that could identify and rectify potential bugs through thorough testing processes.

Agile Implementation: InnoTech prioritized creating extensive test scenarios to ensure comprehensive coverage of the core application, particularly under tight deadlines.

Leadership Insight: Luis Fortes, WhiteStar’s Transformation and Improvement Director, highlighted InnoTech’s flexibility and speed in meeting testing needs, emphasizing the improvement in the overall testing process.

Team Formation and Evolution

Initially, the testing team comprised three members: a QA Lead, a QA Tester, and a Service Manager. InnoTech expanded the team to five members to meet the growing demands, enhancing scalability—a key benefit of working with IT consulting firms.

Standardization of Processes: Diogo Almeida, QA Lead, noted the importance of standardizing testing flows and establishing a shared language among team members to enhance efficiency and understanding.

Team Composition: The team largely consists of former OutSystems developers, leveraging their development background to navigate testing intricacies effectively.

Agile Methodology

InnoTech utilized Agile methodology to improve the testing process:

1. Continuous Testing: Testing was integrated throughout the development process, enabling early identification of defects.
2. Adaptability: Testing plans were flexible, allowing for adjustments based on project needs and feedback.
3. Collaboration: The Agile approach fostered communication among cross-functional teams, enhancing overall project quality.
4. User-Centric Testing: Testing efforts were prioritized based on user stories to align with business objectives.
5. Iterative Testing: Testing occurred incrementally, facilitating rapid feedback cycles and quick course corrections.

Leadership Perspective: Fernanda Silva, Senior Project Manager at WhiteStar, noted a significant difference in agility compared to their previous Waterfall approach, highlighting immediate access to business teams.

Innovation and Internal Testing

InnoTech not only provided testing services for WhiteStar's external projects but also established quality assurance protocols for internal applications, demonstrating innovation by developing a bespoke testing framework from scratch.

Success and Commitment: Jo?o Fialho, IT Solutions Design Lead at WhiteStar, praised InnoTech’s commitment to innovation and excellence in their testing initiatives.

Conclusion

InnoTech’s transition into testing for WhiteStar exemplifies adaptability, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. The Agile methodology and meticulous approach resulted in fewer bugs detected in production, leading to higher delivery quality and significant cost savings.

Future Outlook: This partnership solidifies InnoTech’s role as a key player in software testing, ensuring smooth execution of new development projects for WhiteStar while maintaining the integrity of both external and internal platforms.

To find out more, check the full Case Study: https://www.innotech.pt/news/case-study-whitestars-transition-to-a-testing-environment/